Erin Warner

KOKORO: Why self-love AND empowerment?

Why self-love AND empowerment?

Welcome to Kokoro, where twice a month I send you thoughtfully chosen resources to help you get more of what you want through empowered decision making and improved self talk.

In this issue:

  • An inspring example of being fully yourself and thriving
  • Help! Will this kind of stretching break me?
  • The L.O.V.E. Letter: Why Self-Love AND Empowerment?

Did someone forward this to you? If you like it, you can sign up here.

Want to grab time with me? You can do that here too.

-Erin

P.S. Did you know I have a website? Probably not, because it’s brand new!
I’d love for you to take a peek: erinwarner.net

1. Nick Gray’s Friends Newsletter

Nick’s newsletter is a big inspiration for Kokoro. Different topic, different format, but what I hope is the same is the heart and authenticity.

I’ve had the pleasure to meet Nick once — he comes across as really alive and an incredibly warm and inclusive host. He seems to have created a brand and a business based on being his fullest expression of himself and sharing his gifts. One thing that stands out about Nick is generosity. That really inspires me.

2. Stretching via Strength?

This video goes against everything I thought I knew about stretching. I’m not even sure I understand the concept as he explains it.

All I know is, I tried this method (as I understood it, which might be completely off from what he’s saying) and I saw increased range of motion in a single session. Now I’m hooked and my body feels really really good when I do it.

What do you think?

3. AI Recipes for Health and Convenience

No links here, but an idea.

I use my favorite AI Chat Bot to come up with healthy recipes using what’s already in my kitchen. Here are my two favorite of those recipes. One is a creamy vegan dressing for roasted vegetable and salads. The other is a fake mayo, based on yogurt. High protein, low fat, no trip to the grocery store.

Tofu-Almond Creamy Dressing – Surprise! No cream, it’s actually vegan.
Blend all of the ingredients in blender until smooth.
Excellent on roasted cauliflower.

  • 240g silken or soft tofu
  • 48g almond butter
  • 27g olive oil (NOTE: You will likely taste the olive oil, so use a good one)
  • 30-40g lemon juice
  • 3g salt
  • 30g water (Optional, depending on how thick you want the dressing)

Fake Mayo – Mix all of the ingredients until smooth.
Great in a tuna salad sandwich.

  • 40g plain yogurt
  • 8g olive oil
  • 6g lemon juice
  • 1.5-2 g salt
  • 1g sugar

Why do I talk about self-love AND empowerment?
Why do I always use these words together, as a pair?

Because alone, they fall short.

  • Self-love without action → stuck
  • Action without self-love → burnout
  • Both → freedom

Self-love (internal)

  • My needs, preferences, boundaries are valid.
  • My internal experience is valid. I might feel activated, confused, energized, uncomfortable. All of that is welcome.
  • I am kind to myself. I don’t have to be perfect. I don’t have to prove anything.
    I am already enough. (This is the hardest one for me.)

Empowerment (external)

  • I use my voice to express my needs, preferences, and boundaries.
    No one can read my mind.
  • I regulate before responding. Ask a question. Take a breath. Ask for help. Journal. Workout. Go for a walk. I adjust how I’m engaging so I stay steady.
  • I take courageous action. Stretching beyond my comfort zone in service of my growth.

Real example
I work closely with a team I respect and trust.
Over time, my role expanded beyond what I originally envisioned and agreed to.
Old me: stay quiet, hope they notice
Current me: initiate the conversation – even though it scares me
I said what I was feeling and what I needed to bring things back into balance.

Results?

  • I’m at peace with whatever comes next
  • I honored my needs
  • I spoke clearly, inviting collaboration
  • I stretched my comfort zone

That’s a win no matter what the outcome is!!!

I took responsibility for what I have control of — my own self-expression and courageous action from a regulated energy.
👆THIS is the definition of Self Love and Empowerment.

Try this
This week: Notice a moment where you feel something strong.
Resistance. Discomfort. Clarity. Excitement.

Say to yourself: My inner experience is valid.

Then ask yourself:

  • What am I feeling, needing, or wanting?
  • What would courageous action look like here?

Then do it. Start small.
Even small changes will feel big to your nervous system.

One more thing: Empowerment isn’t aggressive.
It’s not about pushing or proving.
It’s clear, direct, and emotionally intelligent.
You’re not convincing. You’re communicating.
You’re not controlling. You’re co-creating.

WRAPPING UP…

Before you go: Here’s how I can help…

My work is focused on helping ambitious people, including many men ages 30 to 60, align their head and self-talk with their deepest-held desire, so they can achieve more, build the relationships they want, and bring their unique gifts to the world.

If you’ve been successful most of your life, but hit a ceiling or don’t feel the fulfillment you thought you would, I offer…

  • 8-session Self Love and Empowerment Program
  • 1-1 Coaching
  • Group Cohorts
  • and Corporate Training

I also set aside free office hours specifically for readers of this email.
If you’d like to connect and chat about where you’re headed, grab time with me here.

Don’t forget to check out my new website! erinwarner.net

Until next time,

-Erin